China eyes cultural resources, red tourism for patriotic education push

China will ramp up the use of cultural relics, traditional skills, and "Red" heritage sites in a nationwide push for patriotic education, officials announced on Thursday.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism plans to integrate museum exhibits, intangible cultural heritage demonstrations, and revolutionary history tours into school programs and community events. They aim to "enhance the public's understanding and appreciation of patriotism," said Zhou Jiucai, a ministry official.

Red tourism, visiting sites related to the Communist Party's history, will also be promoted through digital platforms and themed festivals. The government will encourage development of patriotic performances, folk art activities, and online content, particularly for young audiences.

These measures coincide with the upcoming implementation of the Patriotic Education Law on Jan 1, which mandates the inclusion of patriotic education in schools and all levels of government.

The Ministry of Education's Wang Daquan emphasized the importance of schools collaborating with museums and historical sites to provide immersive learning experiences.

Online platforms also hold significant potential, said Tan Lei from the Cyberspace Administration of China.

Internet companies will be encouraged to produce patriotic content and combat online information deemed inconsistent with national values. The Cybersecurity Law and Minor Protection Law already outline obligations for protecting national security and fostering responsible online behavior.